In 2018, the Mayor of London and GLA introduced new rules which stated that estate regeneration projects that involved the demolition of any social homes and the construction of 150 or more homes (of any tenure) must be supported by residents in a ballot, in order to receive GLA funding.
“The new rules regarding regeneration ballots provide tenants with a voice regarding their consent to any proposed offer. Ballot processes are a critical step when it comes to tenant engagement. After all, it’s ultimately the tenants who care most about their community,” said Andy Tye, General Manager at ballot services provider, UK Engage.
As regeneration ballots are so important to communities across the Greater London Authority, it is important that the process is overseen by a professional and trusted independent scrutineer. This appointment provides credibility as scrutineers bring impartiality and transparency to the process.
Ballot services provider, UK Engage, has 20 years’ experience administering all types of social housing elections and ballots, so we know why appointing a trustworthy ballot services provider is so important. Some of the reasons to appoint an experienced scrutineer are as follows: –
Impartiality:
One of the key reasons to appoint a ballot services provider for your regeneration ballot is to ensure that the process is impartial and transparent and as such is mandated by the GLA. The outcome of the ballot is crucial to the funding of the regeneration and ultimately the future of the community. Therefore, it is important that the outcome is in no way contentious and is accepted by all stakeholders. An experienced ballot services provider will run the process with impartiality.
Security:
Ballot service providers can make sure all voting methods are secure. Whether you decide to run a postal, online or telephone ballot, independent scrutineers have can ensure the security of the ballot, whatever the channel.
Engagement:
Telling your tenants about your regeneration ballot will be crucial to the participation and subsequent voter turnout. A ballot services provider will advise you about the best methods and messaging to ensure maximum tenant engagement.
Experience:
If your ballot services provider is experienced, then you know you’re in good hands. They will have encountered most situations and administered all types of democratic processes, so will be ready for every eventuality, with full support throughout the process
UK Engage
By choosing to appoint a trusted and experienced ballot services provider you are reducing risk, ensuring impartiality and can improve tenant engagement. For the last 20 years, UK Engage has worked with all types of social housing providers and local authorities to ensure election processes are run efficiently, that’s why we are one of the leaders in our field. To find out more, call us today.